Anniversary stories fill up print space, air time

Grumpy Editor agrees with Columbus Dispatch columnist Joe Blundo --- the media do a lot of anniversary stories.  Check your newspaper today.  Chances are you’ll find at least one anniversary story, perhaps on some event you never heard about.

As Blundo pointed out in a column this week: “So far this year we have celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Frisbee, the 30th anniversary of Star Wars and the 20th anniversary of Cops.  Before the year ends, we will no doubt mark the 50th anniversary of Sputnik, the 25th anniversary of Cats and the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma (the state, not the play).”

No mention (other than perhaps in some NBC-TV executive offices) was made yesterday on the anniversary of the Tonight Show hosted by Steve Allen that made its debut in 1954.  But that was 53 years ago, not the popular five, 10, 15, 20-year, etc. marks.

Getting much space and air time on Monday was a look back 50 years ago when President Eisenhower directed the National Guard to escort nine black students into Little Rock, Ark., high school to enforce an integration order.

But another milestone went by with little, if any, editorial coverage:  Kikkoman’s 50th anniversary in America.  What’s Kikkoman?  Many homes and restaurants have its main product on kitchen tables.  It’s best known for naturally brewed soy sauce to spice up meals.  The company decided to recognize itself with a full page ad in Wednesday’s The Wall Street Journal.

Another special day occurs tomorrow.  It’s little-touted National Public Lands Day.  It may (or may not) grab some space.  That’s because it’s the 14th time around.  Nevertheless, observe it.  Admission will be free to all National Park Service sites around the nation.

Maybe next year, at 15, it’ll garner more space, maybe even air time.